The Autism Self-Acceptance Toolkit: Cultivating Authenticity and Empowerment with ACT and Compassion Focused Therapies
- Speaker:
- Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW
- Duration:
- 1 Hour 31 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
May 08, 2025
- Product Code:
- POS150221
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
Discover how to empower autistic clients to embrace their authentic selves in a world often shaped by neurotypical expectations. Adolescence can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals, as pressures to conform can erode self-worth and leave them feeling isolated. As therapists, you have the unique opportunity to create a safe space where autistic clients can explore their identity, build self-compassion, and uncover their values.
In this workshop, Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, brings her professional expertise and lived experience as an autistic person to guide you in fostering transformative outcomes for your clients. You’ll gain actionable strategies rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to:
- Challenge negative self-beliefs and nurture self-acceptance
- Use neurodiversity-affirming practices to bolster self-esteem
- Facilitate value-driven self-discovery for lasting change
- Integrate practical tools, including worksheets and case studies, to implement immediately
By prioritizing the autistic lived experience and employing evidence-based techniques, you’ll leave equipped to help clients navigate their path toward self-confidence and a vibrant autistic identity.
Credit
Handouts/Brochure
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - The Autism Self-Acceptance Toolkit (14 MB) | 52 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| ASHA Instructions - Self Study (111.9 KB) | Available after Purchase |
Speaker
Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW Related seminars and products
Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice in southern Illinois specializing in the crossroads of mental health, trauma and neurodiversity utilizing interventions informed by compassion-focused therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, EMDR and other traditions. Jennifer is the author of The Psychosis and Mental Health Recovery Workbook: Tools for Young Adults from ACT, DBT and Recovery-Oriented CBT and writes a blog for Psychology Today entitled ‘Beyond Mental Health: Defying Stereotypes and False Limitations.’
Jennifer has provided training to hundreds of clinicians nationwide on topics related to neurodiversity, mental health and healing trauma. She offers a unique perspective infused with her lived experience as an individual who has walked her own journey toward mental health and self-acceptance as an autistic person herself.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jennifer Gerlach maintains a private practice and receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jennifer Gerlach has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Additional Info
Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)Access never expires for this product.
For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com
Questions?
Visit our FAQ page at www.pesi.com/faq or contact us at www.pesi.com/info
Objectives
- Utilize strategies to improve sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance in autistic clients.
- Apply understanding of the autistic identity development process to recognize clients’ needs and provide effective support in the process.
- Employ interventions from ACT and CFT to assist clients in clarifying their values relating to self and enacting action on those values.
Outline
Wolves and Foxes- Metaphors to explore neurodivergent experiences in a neurotypical World
- The challenge of self-acceptance
- Create a neurodiversity-affirming therapy space
- Risk and limitations of ACT and CFT for neurodivergent clients
- Autism and Identity
- Masking
- Timing of Diagnosis
- The social and emotional journeys of the autistic adolescent
- Exploration of the autistic identity
- The impact of comorbidities of the identity development process
- Self-as-Context
- Engaging the autistic client
- ACT to encourage defusion from self-critical thoughts
- A neurodiversity-affirming lens to empower autistic clients
- Values-Clarification
- Strengthening self-compassion
- Self-Kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity
- Building a vision of a compassionate Self
- Committed action
Target Audience
- Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
- Social Workers
- Psychologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Addiction Professionals
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- School Administrators
Reviews
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